Black & Decker CRS144 User Manual

clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may

cause sparks, burns, or a fire.

• Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools,
with sharp cutting edge are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

• Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other
condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced
before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.

• Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.

Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used on
another tool.

Service

• Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or

maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.

• When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the
Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow

Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock or injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

• Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the

cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will

make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator.

• KEEP HANDS AWAY from cutting area. Never reach underneath the material for any rea-

son. Hold front of saw by grasping the contoured gripping area. Do not insert fingers or thumb
into the vicinity of the reciprocating blade and blade clamp. Do not stabilize the saw by grip­ping the shoe.

• KEEP BLADES SHARP. Dull blades may cause the saw to swerve or stall under pressure.

CAUTION: Some wood contains preservatives such as copper chromium arsenate (CCA)

which can be toxic. When cutting these materials extra care should be taken to avoid inhala­tion and minimize skin contact.

CAUTION: Use of this tool can generate dust containing chemicals known to cause can-

cer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Use appropriate respiratory protection.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

V ..........................volts A..........................amperes

Hz ........................hertz W ........................watts

min........................minutes ......................alternating current

......................direct current

n

o........................no load speed

..........................

Class II Construction

........................earthing terminal

........................safety alert symbol .../min ..................revolutions or

reciprocations

per minute

........................lock-on symbol ........................lock-off symbol

........................Quick Release lock-on symbol

SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING THE SAW

1. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.

2. Before using battery charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery
charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using battery.

3. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury, charge only Black & Decker Power Packs.
Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.

4. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

5. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Black & Decker may result in a risk of
fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

6. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when dis­connecting charger.

7. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise sub­jected to damage or stress.

8. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper
extension cord could result in a risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

a. Two-wire cords can be used with 2-wire or 3-wire extension cords. Only round jacketed

extension cords should be used, and we recommend that they be listed by Underwriters
Laboratories (U.L.). If the extension is to be used outside, the cord must be suitable for
outdoor use. Any cord marked for outdoor use can also be used for indoor work. The let­ters "W" or "WA" on the cord jacket indicate that the cord is suitable for outdoor use.

b. An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for

safety, and to prevent loss of power and overheating. The smaller the gauge number of
the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable; that is, 16 gauge has more capacity than
18 gauge. When using more than one extension to make up the total length, be sure each
extension contains at least the minimum wire size.

CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE (AWG)OF EXTENSION CORDS

NAMEPLATE RATING AMPS – 0 – 10.0

Total Extension Cord Length (ft) 25 50 75 100 125 150
Wire Gauge 18 18 16 16 14 14

9. Use only the supplied charger when charging your saw. The use of any other charger
could damage the battery or create a hazardous condition.

10.Use only one charger when charging.

11. Do not attempt to open the charger or the saw. There are no customer serviceable parts
inside. Return to any authorized Black & Decker service center.

12.DO NOT incinerate the saw or battery packs even if they are severely damaged or com­pletely worn out. The batteries can explode in a fire.

13. A small leakage of liquid from the battery cells may occur under extreme usage, charg­ing or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal
is broken and this leakage gets on your skin:

a. Wash quickly with soap and water.
b. Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
c. If the battery liquid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 10

minutes and seek immediate medical attention. MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35%
solution of potassium hydroxide.

CHARGING THE POWER PACK

THE BATTERIES IN YOUR POWER PACK ARE NOT FULLY CHARGED AT THE
FACTORY. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THEM, THOROUGHLY READ ALL OF
THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

The 3 hour charger is designed to use standard household 120 volt 60 Hz power.

1. Plug the charger into any standard 120 Volt 60 Hz electrical outlet.

2. Insert the power pack into the charger and let it charge for 3 hours.

3. Remove pack from the charger and place in tool. NOTE: To remove the battery from the
saw, press in on the release buttons on both sides of the battery and pull out.

IMPORTANT CHARGING NOTES

1. After normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3 hours or less. If the
power pack is run-down completely, it may take up to 6 hours to become fully charged.
Your power pack was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition. Before attempting
to use it, it must be charged for at least 3 hours.

2. DO NOT charge the power pack in an air temperature below 40°F or above 105°F. This
is important and will prevent serious damage to the power pack. Longest life and best per­formance can be obtained if power pack is charged when air temperature is about 75°F.

3. While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to touch. This is a normal con­dition and does not indicate a problem.

4. If the power pack does not charge properly—(1) Check current at receptacle by plugging
in a lamp or other appliance. (2) Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch
which turns power off when you turn out the lights. (3) Move charger and power pack to
a surrounding air temperature of 40°F to 105°F. (4) If the receptacle and temperature are
OK, and you do not get proper charging, take or send the power pack and charger to your
local Black & Decker service center. See Tools Electric in yellow pages.

5. The power pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs
which were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE using saw with its power pack
in a depleted condition.

CAT. NOS. CRS144 FORM NO. 396715-00 PRINTED IN CHINA Copyright©2000 Black &Decker (MAY - 00)

KEY INFORMA TION YOU SHOULD KNOW :

• Keep shoe firmly against work surface.

• Charge battery for 3 hours before first use.

VEA EL ESPAÑOL EN LA CONTRAPORTADA.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y
PÓLIZADE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE
INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR ELPRODUCTO.

CATALOG NUMBER

CRS144

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

GENERAL SAFETY RULES - FOR ALL BATTERY OPERATED TOOLS

WARNING! READ AND UNDERST AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious

personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Work Area

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of

flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or

fumes.

• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tool. Keep cord away from
heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately.

Damaged cords may create a fire.

• A battery operated tool with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must be
recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. Acharger that may be suitable

for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.

• Use battery operated tool only with specifically designated battery pack. Use of any
other batteries may create a risk of fire.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious

personal injury,

• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your
hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair

can be caught in moving parts.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is in the locked or off position before
inserting battery pack. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or inserting the battery

pack into a tool with the switch on invites accidents.

• Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.Awrench or a key that is
left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and
balance enable better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,
hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

Tool Use and Care

• Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of

control.

• Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the
job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.Atool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such

preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

• Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper

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H

IGH PERFORMANCE CORDLESS TOOLS

BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT

FOR ANY REASON PLEASE CALL

1-800-54-HOW-TO

IF YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM

WITH YOUR BLACK & DECKER PURCHASE,

CALL 1-800-54-HOW-TO (1-800-544-6986).

IN MOST CASES, A BLACK & DECKER REPRESENTATIVE

CAN RESOLVE YOUR PROBLEM OVER THE PHONE.

IF YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION OR COMMENT,

GIVE US A CALL. YOUR FEEDBACK IS VITAL

TO THE SUCCESS OF BLACK & DECKER’S QUALITY

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

(544-6986)

6. T o prolong power pack life, avoid leaving the power pack on charge for more than 8 hours.

Although overcharging is not a safety concern, it can significantly reduce overall power
pack life.

7. When the battery is inserted into the charger, the red “Charging Indicator” light will
come on indicating that there is contact between the battery and charger. The light will
stay on as long as the battery is in the charger and the charger is plugged into a working
outlet. It WILL NOT flash, go out or change to a different color when the charging cycle is
complete.

OPERATION

CAUTION: Always wear eye protection while operating this power tool.

NOTE: Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored or clamped to pre-

vent slipping.

• Place blade and shoe lightly against work to be cut.

• Switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain maximum speed before applying pressure.

• Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting as shown in Figure 1. Whenever pos-

sible, the saw shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the
saw from jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.

TRIGGER SWITCH (FIGURE 2)

Release lock-off by switching to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 2 from either side of the
saw. Pull the trigger switch to turn the motor ON. Releasing the trigger turns the motor OFF.
NOTE: This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be
locked in the ON position by any other means.

BLADE CLAMP RELEASE LEVER (FIGURE 3)

CAUTION: TURN OFF AND REMOVE BATTERY FROM TOOL.

To install blade into saw:

1. Open blade clamp release lever to its full open position as shown in Figure 3.

2. Insert blade shank from the front.

3. Close blade clamp release lever.

To remove blade from saw:

1. Open blade clamp release lever to its full open position.

2. Remove blade.

FLUSH CUTTING (FIGURE 4)

• The compact design of the reciprocating saw motor housing and pivoting shoe permit close

cutting to floors, corners and other difficult areas.

• To maximize flush cutting capabilities, insert the blade shaft into the blade clamp with the

teeth of the blade facing up.

• Turn the saw upside down so you are as close to the work surface as possible.

WOOD CUTTING (FIGURE 5)

• Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the work piece is firmly anchored or clamped to

prevent slipping.

• Place blade and shoe lightly against work to be cut.

• Switch on saw motor before applying pressure.

• Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting. Whenever possible, the shoe must be

held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrat­ing and minimize blade breakage.

METAL CUTTING

• Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials.

• In thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood to both sides of sheet. This will ensure

a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of metal.

• Avoid forcing cutting blade as this reduces blade life and causes costly blade breakage.

NOTE: You should spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the line ahead of the saw
cut for easier operation and longer blade life. For cutting aluminum, kerosene is preferred.

POCKET CUTTING - WOOD ONLY (FIGURE 6)

• Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber.

• Insert pocket cutting blade in blade clamp and tighten blade clamp securely.

• Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe is resting on the work surface.

• Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain maximum speed.

• Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.

• The blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure blade is completely through mate-

rial before continuing with pocket cut.

NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the shoe as a guide.
PROJECT TIPS

• Cut only with sharp blades; they cut cleaner, faster and put less strain on the motor while

cutting.

• When cutting, always ensure that the shoe is resting against the workpiece. This will improve

operator control and minimize vibration.

• For longer blade life, use bi-metal blades. These utilize a carbon steel back welded to high

speed steel teeth making the blade more flexible and less prone to breaking.

MAINTENANCE
REMOVE BATTERY FROM SAW WHEN PERFORMING ANY CLEANING OR OTHER

MAINTENANCE. WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

• Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to various

types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove
dirt, carbon dust etc.

• When electric tools are used on fiberglass boats, sports cars, drywall etc.,they are subject

to accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as the fiberglass chips and grindings

and drywall dust are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutator, etc. During any use
on fiberglass or drywall it is extremely important that the tool be cleaned frequently by blow­ing with an air jet.

LUBRICATION
REMOVE BATTERY FROM SAW WHEN PERFORMING ANY CLEANING OR OTHER

MAINTENANCE.

Your tool was properly lubricated before leaving the factory. Once every year take or send
your tool to a Black & Decker service center, or authorized service station, for a complete
cleaning, inspection and lubrication. Tools "out of service" for long periods should be
relubricated before being put back to work.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and
adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service
organizations, always using identical replacement parts

ACCESSORIES

The CRS144

FIRESTORM

TM

reciprocating saw will accept up to a 12 inch long blade. Always use the
shortest blade suitable for your project. Longer blades are more likely to be bent or damaged during use.
During operation some longer blades may vibrate or shake if the saw is not kept in contact with the
workpiece.

Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available from your local dealer or
authorized service center. If you need assistance regarding accessories, please call:

1-800-54-HOW-TO. (800-544-6986)

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended for use with this tool could be

hazardous.

THE RBRC™ SEAL

The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation)
Seal on the nickel-cadmium battery (or battery pack) indicates that the costs to
recycle the battery (or battery pack) at the end of its useful life have already
been paid by Black & Decker. In some areas, it is illegal to place spent nickel­cadmium batteries in the trash or municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC
program provides an environmentally conscious alternative.

RBRC in cooperation with Black & Decker and other battery users, has established programs
in the United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel-cadmium batteries.
Help protect our environment and conserve natural resources by returning the spent nickel­cadmium battery to an authorized Black & Decker service center or to your local retailer for
recycling. You may also contact your local recycling center for information on where to drop
off the spent battery , or call 1-800-8-BATTERY.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Black & Decker offers a full network of company-owned and authorized service locations
throughout North America. All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained
personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service.

Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact the
Black & Decker location nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow
page directory under "Tools—Electric" or call: 1-800-54-HOW TO (544-6986).

SPECIAL WARRANTY NOTE TO CONTRACTORS:

FIRESTORM

TM

branded products are offered as high end consumer home use tools and
carry a HOME USE WARRANTY. These tools are designed, manufactured and tested to
meet or exceed the needs of the do-it-yourselfer in the execution of projects and repairs in
and around the home. With proper use they will provide the home owner with step up power
and performance well beyond their two year warranty. However, if you use tools for a living
and use FIRESTORMTMbranded products or any of Black & Decker’s other Consumer Home
Use tools ON THE JOBSITE you should know that they CANNOT BE COVERED UNDER

OUR WARRANTY.

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material
or workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of
two ways.

The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer from whom
it was purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made
within the time period of the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the
sale). Proof of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for their specific
return policy regarding returns that are beyond the time set for exchanges.

The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker owned or
authorized Service Center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be
required. Black & Decker owned and authorized Service Centers are listed under "Tools­Electric" in the yellow pages of the phone directory.

This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Should you have any questions,
contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker Service Center.

2

1

3

4

5

6

ROCK TOOL UP TO NORMAL CUTTING POSITION
AFTER BLADE HAS CUT THROUGH MATERIAL

STARTING POSITION FOR POCKETCUTTING

POSITION DE DÉPART POUR LES COUPES EN RETRAIT

POSICION DE INICIO PARAEL CORTE DE BOLSILLO

BERCER L’OUTILEN POSITION NORMALE DE COUPE
ÁPRES AVOIR TRA VERSÉ MATÉRIAU AVEC LALAME.

BALANCEE LA HERRAMIENTAHASTALA POSI­CION DE CORTE NORMAL DESPUES DE HACER
EL CORTE A TRAVES DEL MATERIAL

See ‘Tools-Electric’

– Yellow Pages –

for Service & Sales

Imported by

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,

701 E. Joppa Rd.

Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

MESURES DE SÉCURITÉ

AVERTISSEMENT : Lire et comprendre toutes les directives. Le non-respect de toutes les

directives suivantes présente des risques de secousses électriques, d’incendie ou de
blessures graves.

CONSERVER CES MESURES.

ZONE DE TRAVAIL

• S’assurer que la zone de travail est propre et bien éclairée. Des établis encombrés et
des endroits sombres présentent des risques d’accidents.

• Ne pas utiliser des outils électriques en présence de vapeurs explosives (comme
celles dégagées par des liquides, des gaz ou des poussières inflammables). Les

étincelles générées par le moteur des outils électriques peuvent enflammer les poussières
ou les vapeurs.

•Éloigner les curieux, les enfants et les visiteurs de la zone de travail lorsqu’on
utilise un outil électrique. Une distraction peut entraîner la perte de maîtrise de l’outil.

MESURES DE SÉCURITÉ RELATIVES À L’ÉLECTRICITÉ

• Les outils à double isolation comportent une fiche polarisée (une lame plus large que
l’autre). La fiche n’entre que d’une façon dans une prise polarisée. Lorsque la fiche n’entre
pas à fond dans la prise, essayer de nouveau après avoir inversé les broches de la fiche. Si
la fiche n’entre toujours pas dans la prise, communiquer avec un électricien certifié afin de
faire installer une prise polarisée. Ne modifier en aucune façon la fiche. La double
isolation élimine le besoin d’un cordon trifilaire mis à la terre et d’un système
d’alimentation mis à la terre.

•Éviter de toucher à des surfaces mises à la terre comme des tuyaux, des radiateurs,
des cuisinières et des réfrigérateurs. Les risques sont alors plus élevés si le corps de

l’utilisateur est mis à la terre.

AVANT DE RETOURNER LE PRODUIT, PEU IMPORTE LA RAI-

SON PRIÈRE DE COMPOSER

1 800 544-6986

RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORT ANTS

• Bien serrer la lame.

• Garder le patin fermement contre la surface de travail.

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